GHMI: a general hypertext data model supporting integration of hypertext and information systems

We present a general hypertext data model supporting the integration (GHMI) of hypertext and information systems. The information systems benefit from hypertext functionality while preserving their computation capabilities. Although systems supporting integration of hypertext and display-oriented information systems do exist, no model or system effectively supports integrating hypertext and computation-oriented information systems (COISs). In COISs, content is generated and mapped dynamically at run-time. Based on the widely-recognized Dexter hypertext model, GHMI makes major contributions by significantly extending the Dexter model in the storage layer. GHMI divides its storage layer into two sublayers: a hypertext database and a hypertext knowledge base. The hypertext database extends the original Dexter storage layer regarding component classes, typed links, composite structures, typed anchors, and navigation structures. In the hypertext knowledge base, GHMI models domain mapping rules between hypertext and information systems called bridge laws.